Twin-pump unit



Jan. 4, 1927'.

THOMAS TWIN PUMP UNIT Filed March 10 1924 3 Shets-Sheet 1 W. THOMA TWIN PUMP UNIT Filed March 10, 1924 3 sheet -sheet 2 1,613,491 Jan. 4, 1927. w THOMAS TWIN PUMP UNIT- Filed March 10. 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented .lian. 4, 1927.

uniirsn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM THOMAS, OF BEATRICE, NEBRASKA, ASSIGNOR '10 DEMPSTER MILL MANU- FACTURING CQMPANY, OF BEATRICE, NEBRASKA, A CORPORATION OF NEBRASKA.

TWIN-PfiMP UNIT.

Application filed March 10,

This invention particularly relates to pumping units and involves a multi-cylinder assembly and pump coupling andoperat-ing means, and the purposes and objects of the 5 invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art in the light of the following descriptions of the accompanying drawings illustrating what I now believe to be the preferred mechanical expression or embodiment of the invention from among other constructions and arrangements within the spirit and scope thereof.

An object of the invention is to provide 'arions improvements with the end in viewof producing a compact, comparatively simple, and eiiicient twin pump unit that will be economical in production and upkeep and easy in operation and adjustment.

With these and other objects in view my invention consists in certain novel features in construction and in arrangements and combinations as more fully and particularly set forth and specified hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof Fig. 1 shows a pumping unit embodying my invention, in side elevation, parts being broken away, and the base pan being shown in vertical longitudinal section.

Fig. 2 is a detail top plan view of the base pan.

Fig. 3 shows the pumping unit of Fig. 1, in top plan, certain parts beingbroken away.

Fig. 4L is an end view of the unit, certain parts being broken away, the base pan being shown in vertical cross section.

Fig. 5 is a detail edge view of the frame nioin'ited on the outer end of the left hand pump cylinder 3 and i) for carrying the power driven gz earing for actuating the twtn pumps.

Fig. 6 shows said frame in vertical section.

Fig. 7 is a detail top plan of the main cross head or slide for operating the twin pumps, certain parts being partially broken away, portions of the guide-forming tie rods being shown, the coupling head of one pump piston rod being shown operatively coupled to the cross head, the coupling head of the other pump piston rod being Shown opera- 1924. Serial No. 698,195.

wish to so limit my invention for among other variations that might be adopted, pumps of the single acting type can be employed if so desired.

Each pump, whether singleor double acting embodies a horizontally arranged cylinder 1 that contains a suitable reciprocating plunger or piston (not shown) operated by reciprocating horizontal piston or plunger rod 2. Each pump or its cylinder is pro vided with rigid depending supporting legs, or with adepending pedestal 3, rigid therewith and having rigid bottom feet 3', usually arranged at the ends thereof to provide four corner feet 3, although I do not wish to so limit my invention. 7

These two cylinders are mounted and assembled. in fixed relation, as a unit, with the two cylinders spaced apart and arranged in juxtaposition in longitudinal alinement with their two piston rods 2, preferably in longitudinal alinement. The two pumps are horizontally arranged in juxtaposition and in op posed relation, in that their rear ends are at the outer ends of the unit and their front or inner ends are opposite or facing each other intermediate the unit with the piston rods 2 projecting toward each other in the space between the cylinders and from the facing or opposing. inner ends of the cylinders.

The unit carries or includes pump operating means that is detachably coupled to both piston rods 2 for simultaneously operating both pumps, and such operating means is capable of detachment from either piston rod so that either pumpcan be operated Without the other. The two individually complete pumps are assembled to constitute a portable pumping unit, by being secured in fixed relation to a common base member and by being rigidly braced and tied together by means arranged above the base member and extending longitudinally between and connecting the two pump cylinders.

In the particular example illustrated, the base or bed member is formed by and composed of a single one-piece strong rigid flat horizontal longitudinally-elongated metal plate or casting t in the form of an opentop pan by the provision of an encircling or continuous upstanding edge flange 4t, and preferably by the provision of an upstanding transverse top flange l", midway the length of the bed and forming a dam or division wall sub-dividing the pan into two preferably non-communicating halves, although I do not wish to so limit all features of my invention. The formation of the bed plate, as a pan, renders the bed exceedingly stiff and strong with relation to weight of metal employed If so desired. the flange or rim l can be formed'with lateral enlargements having vertical holes at, for the passage of belts or other fastening means by which the bed can be secured to a floor or other support, without danger of leakage of liquid from the pan through such holes. The pumps are so secured to this bed that both pumps are over the pan in such manner that the pan will catch and retain all leakage and drippings from the pumps.

In the particular example illustrated, one pump is fixed to and arranged over one'end portion of the bed and the other pump is fixed to and arranged over the other end portion of the bed so that the separate halves or sub-divisionl-i of the pan catch and retain the drippings from the pumps, respectively.

In this example, the end portions of the bed are forn'ied with upstanding lugs or bosses at, located within the pan, to receive the feet 3, of the pump cylinders, and these bosses are vertically bored or otherwise formed for the passage of bolts 5 or the like by which said feet are tightly clamped down on the bosses and held elevated above the floor of the pan. The pump cylinders are thus rigidly secured to the bed and held in fixed relation and in the desired elevated positions, and the two cylinders are braced and stiffened in this fixed relation by a direct stiti longitudinal connection horizontally bridging the space between the two cylinders and elevated above and usually parallel with the bed l.

For instance, in the example shown, the cylinders are braced and tied together by a pair of straight parallel stiff spaced rods 6, extending longitudinally from one cylinder to the other and at their ends fixed to the inner or facing end plates or heads 1, of the cylinders. For instance, the end heads 1, are cast with horizontal sockets 1 at the outer faces of the heads, the ends of the rods 6, fitting and secured in the sockets as by clamping screws 1. In the example shown, these tie and brace rods 6 are arranged in a common horizontal plane located below the horizontal plane in which the piston rods 2, are located, and the vertical plane in which the two piston rods are located is arranged midway between the vertical planes in which the two rods 6 are located although I do not wish to so limit my invention.

In the example illustrated, these bracing tie rods 6 are utilized to form the support and guide for a sliding or reciprocating cross head through the medium of which the pumps are operated.

In the particular embodiment shown, this cross head is composed of a one-piece frame or casting that rises from the two guide rods and bridges the space between the same, and is formed with bottom sleeves 7 that longitu'dinally receive and slide on said guide rods. These sleeves are arranged longitudinally of the opposite side portions of the cross head.

The opposite ends of the cross head that face the pump cylinders, respectively, are similar or alike in structure or formation, and are adapted to have the piston rods 2, secured thereto in such manner that the cross head will form the connecting member between the piston rods and will be located midway between the two pump pistons. Power applied to the cross head to reciprocate the same On and longitudinally of the guide rods will hence reciprocate the pump pistons and operate the pumps.

Various means and formations can be provided for thus coupling together the cross head and piston rods. For instance,.I provide the free end of each piston rod with a coupling cross member or head 9, in the form of a metal block. Each coupling head 9, is formed with a rear socket or hub 9, located midway between its ends to receive the rear or inner end of its piston rod 2, and the coupling head and piston red are normally operativcly fixed together in any suitable n'ianncr, as by clamping screws 9.

The free or front longitudinal face 9" of each coupling head 9 faces and parallel with the adjacent end of the cross head, and is formal to squarely abutthe said adjacent crof-ts head end and be clamped tightly thereagainst. For instance, in this example, the coupling heads 0 are formed with fiat faces 9, to squarely abut and fit cor responding parallel flat, end faces 7 of the cross head, although I do not wish to so limit all features of my invention. Various means an be provided for normally, yet detachai the bolts arranged parallel with the path of movementol' the cross head and located at both ends ot each coupling head and directly clan'iping the coupling .ieads and cross head together with their transverse that faces 1 7, 9 squarely abutting. Tn the example illustrated, each coupling headis approximately bi'lurcated at both ends, to form opensioe bolt holes or sockets 9 tor the bolts 10, while the rear taces'ot the end portions of the coupling head form seats for the washers or nuts 10. of the bolts.

In the particular example shown, each end of the cross head, at opposite sides thereof, is formed with open-side sockets 7, to receive the heads and shanks of two bolts 10 and anchor the same therein against longitudinal movement.

Each piston rod coupling head is thus independently secured to the cross head and can be uncoupled from or coupled to the cross head without disturbing the other coupling head. In this instance, each coupling head is at both ends tied to and rigidly against the cross head by the end clamping bolts, and the bolts can be removed laterally from the coupling head and cross head to uncouple the parts after the bolt nuts have been loosened without entirely removing such nuts from their bolts, and can be as easily applied and then tightened up to couple the parts together.

In the example illustrated, ll show the actuating power applied to the cross head midway its length, through the medium of a cross shaft or pin 11 extending therethrough and at both ends projecting in opposite directions beyond the opposite sides of the cross head. This cross pin 11, is transversely arranged with respect to, and is located above, the guide rods 6 and the sleeves 't', and extends through elevated transverse alined hubs or sleeves 7 of the cross head midway between the opposite ends of said head. This cross pin is pref-erably endwise removablefl rom the cross head, although I do not wish to so limit all features of my invention, and means are preferably provided whereby manual power can be applied to said cross pin to actuate the cross head, or whereby motor or other power can be applied to actuate the cross head.

Various means can be provided for manually actuating the cross head, although in this instance. I show an upright lever 12, for this purpose, adapted to be manually swung back and forth and through the pin '11 to thus reciprocate the cross head. The pin 11 extends loosely through this lever at a point above the lever fulcrum. The lever is tulcrumed at 12, by a cross pin or pivot to the otherwise free end of a vertically swingable fulcrum link or frame '13, at its opposite end pivoted or hinged through pivot or pin 13, to the pedestal or leg of one of the pump cylinders. The hand or manual lever pref- 'erabl include/sen o en-u er-end uari ht metal socket end 12, that forms the lower end of the lever and that removably receives the main length of the lever. The cross head is formed with a central vertical intermediate opening 8, through which the socket 12, vertically extends, and this opening is centrally bridged by the cross pin 11, which pin loosely and removably extends transversely through the socket, the socket being provided with a transverse bearing opens ing for the purpose.

lVhen the lever is not in use to actuate the cross head, the lever section 12 can be removed from the socket. l/Vhen other power than the lever is being employed to actuate the pumping unit, the metal socket 12, can remain and will then merely idle back and forth with the cross head, or said socket can be lifted from the cross head, the pins 12, and 11, being first removed.

The pumping unit is preferably, also equipped with a power driven pump jack for operating the cross head, and this jack can be operatively coupled to and disconnected from the cross pin 11, of the cross head.

The power ack is mounted on and carried by the rear end of one of the pump cylinders, for instance, the cylinder of the pump A, and the jack comprises a horizontal transverse main or drive shaft 15 which can be coupled to and driven from any suitable source of power by any suitable means or in any suitable manner. This shaft carries and drives pinions 16, that mesh with and drive gears 17 carried by countershaft 18, and the gears 17 are provided with crank or wrist pins 19, that actuate pitmen 20. The opposite or inner ends of the pitmen 20 are formed with transverse. end sleeves 20 removably fitted on the projecting ends 01 the cross pin 11, and removably confined thereon by cotter pins 11, or in any other suitable manner.

The pitmen are also preferably removably confined on the crank pins 19, by cotter pins 19. or other suitable means. 7

The two pitmen 20, extend from the crank wheels 17 forwardly at opposite sides of the pump A, and at their front or inner ends couple to the opposite ends oicross pin 11.

The power jack can be operatively disconnectedt'rom the cross head by removing the cotter pins from the crank pins 19 and from the cross pin 11, and then slipping the pitmen from such pins, or by slipping the cross pin 1 1 endwise from the cross head and pitmen to release the pitmen, and then reinserting the cross pin in the cross head and lever socket 12.

The power jack is carried by a vertical frame or plate 21 that forms or includes the rear end head or plate of one of the pump cylinders. This plate or frame provides an elongated transverse top journal box 21, (having a vertically removable top cap) for the main shaft with the pinions 16 located beyond the opposite ends of the box and side edges of the frame. The plate 21, at the proper distance below the main shaft, provides a transverse journal box 21, for the countershaft 18 with the large crank wheels or gears 1'? beyond the side edges of the plate and beyond the opposite sides of the rear end of the pump cylinder. The journal box 21", is provided with a rear wardly or outwardlv removable cap at the rear side of the plate.

The plate :21 is constructed and arranged to carry the gear or jack assembly so that the assembly, as a unit, can be thus applied to and removed from the rear end of the pump cylinder by the usual fastenings that secure the rear plate or head to the cylinder. The front side of the plate is formed to fit the rear end of the pump cylinder when the plate is secured thereto by suitable bolts.

The plate is so formed and arranged that the axis of the crank or gear wheels 17 will be in the same horizontal plane as the cross head cross pin 11 and the cross head is so arranged that said cross pin is in the same horizontal plane as the two piston rods 2, although I do not now wish to so limit all features of my invention.

Advantages are gained by securing the two pumps'on a common base constituting a rigid connecting frame between the pumps 'while the frame or unit, as an entirety, 1S

stiffened and braced by the elevated rigid connection formed by the guide rods 6 between the cylinders which counteract any tendency of the pump cylinders to rock or tilt forwardly or backwardly on the bed when subjected to heavy load under the power of the reciprocating pistons. The bed and the guide rods cooperate in the forma tion of a stiff rigid framework, the ends of such framework being the pump cylinders, the lower longitudinal side of the frame work being formed by the common bed and the upper longitudinal side being formed by the guide rods 6.

A furtheradvantage is gained by securing the two pumps on a common bed that forms a pan to catch the drippings from the cylinders, whether or not such pan provides a separate receptacle for each cylinder, as the floor in the vicinity of the pumping unit can i be thereby kept clean, and liquid leaking from the pumps can be thereby reclaimed 'by drainage pipe connections from such receptacles. The the hazard is thereby reduced, and waste avoided, and these features are of particular moment where such fluids as kerosene and gasoline are being handled by the pumps.

22. pumping unit in accordance with my invention reduces to the minimum, strain on foundation bolts, reduces the area of floor space required, reduces cost of production and the number of parts required, and also reduces cost of upkeep, as compared with separate pump arrangements even where common operating means is provided for such separated pumps.

I also gainadvantages by the intermediate cross head for operating both or either pump where each pump piston rod is equipped with a coupling head for quickly and easily coupling to and detaching from such cross head, particularly where the relative formations are such that when a coupling head is detached, the reciprocation of the cross head will act automatically to push the detached coupling head back out of the way without danger of becoming accidentally entangled therewith or attached there to or caught thereon. Advantages are also gained by the ease and rapidity of attaching and detaching the coupling heads from the cross head.

Advantages are also gained by the eX- ceedingly simple quickly operated connections between the pump piston rods and the intermediate pump actuating cross head through which both pumps can be as effectively operated together or simultaneous ly, as can either pump be operated while the other pump remains at rest, and that without changing or disturbing the driving or actuating mechanism or gearing coupled to the cross head for the reciprocation thereof. The pumping unit of this invention is well adapted to situations where different liquids (such as kerosene and gasoline) are to be moved through separate pipe lines, as the two pumps of the unit can be coupled into such lines, respectively, and both pump pistons can be coupled to the cross head where it is desired to move both liquids simultaneously, or one or the other of the pumps can be coupled to the cross head and the other disconnected therefrom, (simply by loosening and slipping bolts 1.0 in or out and again tightening the same) as one or the other liquid requires moving. By coupling both pumps of theunit into the same pipe line and attaching both pump pistons to the cross head, the full pumping capacity of the twin pumps of the unit can be utilized.

Advantage is also gained in the arrangements whereby the power is applied to the cross head in the direction of movement of that head and in a manner to avoid lateral Inn neiaaer tlrust or disturbance of the longitudinal alinement of the pump parts and cross head.

it is evident that various changes, modifications and variations might be resorted to, that features might be added, and parts omitted, all without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention, and hence i do not wish to limit myself to the exact disclosures hereof.

Ft hilt I claim is 1. A pumping unit comprising a pair of spaced opposed reciprocating pump cylinders secured in fixed relation with their reciprocating piston rods extending into the space between the cylinders, a reciprocatory cross head between said piston rods for reciprocating the same, an upright plate secured at the rear end of one of the cylinders, a transverse driven shaft carried by said plate and having end cranks, and pitmen operated by said cranks and coupled to the cross head'at opposite sides thereof to reciprocate the same.

2. In combination, a pair of cylinders having reciprocatory pistons with their piston rods, fixed spacing and guide means connecting said cylinders, one slide carried by and reciprocatory along said means and located between and common to both piston rods, attachable and detachable coupling means for said piston rods, respectively, for separately operatively coupling the same to and detaching the same from said one slide, a longitudinally removable cross pin extending through said slide intermediate the length thereof with its ends projecting therefrom, and driving means removably and operatively applied to said slide through the medium of said pin for reciprocating said slide.

3. A pair of opposed spaced cylinders having their reciprocating piston rods extending into the space between cylinders and each at its inner end provided with a coupling head, a cross head interposed between said piston rod coupling heads for recipro eating either or both of said piston rods to operate either or both cylinders, and operating means for reciprocating said cross head, said cross head having opposite end faces and said coupling heads having opposing faces to abut said cross head faces, exposed accessible quickly attachable and detachable means being provided to independently and fixedly clamp said coupling heads to the opposite ends of said cross head with said faces abutting.

i. A pumping unit comprising two individually-complete separate horizontal plunger pumps mounted in fixed relation and opposition on one base, fixed guides connecting the two pumps, a cross head mounted between the two pumps on said guides, and accessible exposed quick action detachable clamping means whereby said cross head may be connected to or disconnected from the plunger rods of either one or both pumps.

5. The combination of two horizontal plunger cylinders spaced apart, a plunger rod for each cylinder having a coupling head with an open aperture on each side to receive bolts, a cross head having open apertures on each side to receive bolts for securing it to the plunger rod coupling heads, exposed accessible laterally removable clamping bolts adapted to said apertures for quickly clampin or releasing either of both coupling heads to or, from the cross head, and means for reciprocating said' cross head.

6. A pumping unit comprising two horizontal double acting plunger pumps spaced apart on one base, a driving mechanism mounted on one of said pumps, one cross head operatively connected with said driving mechanism, a plunger rod for each pump, and exposed accessible quick action clamping and releasing devices for said rods, respectively, whereby either one or both of said plunger rods may be quickly and securely connected to said cross head.

7. In combination, two spaced horizontal plunger cylinders, means connecting said cylinders, one head slidable longitudinally of said means for reciprocating with the piston rods of the cylinders, the piston rods having end coupling heads between which the cross head is located, the, cross head ends and the coupling heads having corresponding faces that are formed to abut, and opposite side accessible exposed quick action laterally removable and applied clamping bolts for said coupling heads, respectively, for separately clamping the coupling heads against the cross head, whereby the coupling heads can be independently released from or clamped to the cross head.

8. In combination, two spaced horizontal plunger pumps having their reciprocating piston rods extending into the space between the pumps and pump operating means embodying a reciprocatory cross head interposed between said piston rods, means for separately attaching the piston rods to said cross head and for separately detaching the same therefrom whereby both pumps can be operated together or either pump can be operated while the other remains at rest, a central, cross pin extending transversely of said cross head and at both ends projecting therefrom for the connection of operating pitmen thereto.

9. In combination, a pair of operatively alined opposing separate fixed cylinders each having a reciprocating piston and its piston rod, the two opposing cylinders being spaced apart, a common bed plate to which said cylinders are secured, fixed spacing and llll stillening are-ans seem-ed to be-til cylinders above said bed to cooperate with said bed in. maintaining said cylinders in fixed relation, the piston rods of the cylinders arranged between said means and extending into the space between the cylinders, means tor opcrating said pumps embodying a single driven reeiprocatory member arranged between and common to both rods and sli'd'able on said spacing means, and accessible exposed quick attachment and detachment,

coupling means for operatively connecting both rods to said reciprocatory member and for operatively disconnecting either rod therefrom.

10. In combination, a pair of opposed individually complete reciprocating pumps constructed and arranged for coupling into separate pipe lines, respectively, one for driving a liquid such as oil and the other for driving a liquid such as gasoline; each pump embodying a fixed cylinder and a reciprocatory piston and its piston rod, said opposing cylinders being spaced apart with the piston rods extending into the space between the cylinders, an exposed accessible actuating member arranged between and common to both piston rods, driving means for reciprocating said member, exposed accessible manually released and applied clamping devices between said member and said rods for operatively-fixing either or both rods to said member and for Operatively releasing either or both rods therefrom, whereby either pump can be thrown out of operation or both pumps can be operated simultaneously, and means for maintaining said cylinders in rigid fixed relation embodying fixed supporting guide rods for said member and a bed plate common to both pumps and providing separate drip receptacles for the different liquid waste from the pumps.

11. In combination, a pair of opposed individually complete reciprocating pumps constructed and arranged for coupling into separate pipe lines, respectively, ,one for driving a liquid such as oil and the other for driving a liquid such as gasoline; each pump embodying a fixed cylinder and a reciprocatory piston and its piston rod, said opposing cylinders being spaced apart with the piston rods extending into the space between the cylinders, a single reciprocatory exposed accessible, actuating member arranged between and common to both piston rods, exposed accessible manually released and applied clamping devices between said member and said rods, respectively, for operativelydining er both rods in member and for operatively releasing either or both rods therefrom, and means constituting a supporting slideway for said actuating member and "for maintaining said cylinders in rigid fixed relation.

In combination, a pair of opposed in dividually complete fixed cylinders each having a reciprocatory piston and its piston rod, said opposing cylinders being spaced apart with the piston rods extending into the space between the cylinders, a single piston rod reciprocating members arranged between and common to both piston rods, driving means for reciprocating said one member, eilposed accessible manually released and applied clamping devices between said member and said rods, respectively, for operatirely-iixing either or both rods to said memher and tor operatively releasing either or both rods therefrom, and means for mainta ning said cylinders in rigid fixed relation en'ibodying a bed plate common to a both pumps and fixed guide rods for said one member.

123.. In combination, a base plate, two individually complete pumps having horizontal pump cylinders secured on said plate in fixed alined opposed relation with their reciprocatii'ig piston rods extending toward each other, fixed spaced parallel guide rods conneeting said cylinders, pump operating means common to both piston rods for operating both or either pump, and embodying a single reciprocatory member on said rods, and exposed accessible quickly applied and released devices for separately and detachably coupling said two rods to said one reciprocatory member, whereby eit ier or both rods can be operatively disconnected from and connected to the pump operating means. 14;. In combination, a pair of opposed individually complete reciprocating pumps secured in fixed relation, operating means common to said pumps and embodying a single driven reciprocating cross head arranged between the pumps and movable toward and from the same and interposed between the piston rods of said pumps, and separate readily accessible manually applied and released quick-aetion means for independently and separately clamping said piston rods directly against and to the single cross head and for independently and separately detaching the same therefrom.

Signed at Beatrice, in the county 01 Gage, and State of Nebraska, this 6th day of March, 1924.

WILLIAM THQMAS. 

